Guns found on school grounds

RCMP in the tiny Vancouver Island community of Port McNeill made a startling discovery over the weekend.

Two firearms were seized Saturday from a locked, fenced storage area located on the grounds of the North Island Senior Secondary School, in Port McNeill.

Officers were led to the storage area following an investigation into reports that a group of local youth were illegally in possession of several firearms. It is believed that the youth responsible for placing these firearms in the caged area were doing so in an attempt to conceal them from discovery.

Following this initial seizure, additional firearms were located in a wooded area near Sointula.

Investigators continue their work to determine the origin of these firearms, and charge those responsible. Investigators are examining the possibility that these guns originated from residential break and enters, and were going to be traded for illegal drugs, or sold for cash.

"Based on the information we have to date, there is no indication that these weapons were intended to be used to harm anyone at the school," states Sgt. Craig Blanchard, Detachment Commander for the Port McNeill RCMP.

"While it was very concerning to find them on school grounds, all indications are that the youth saw the caged area as a concealed place, away from their homes, to keep these guns hidden."

The Port McNeill RCMP continues to work closely with the Superintendent and staff of School District 85. This investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been laid.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact the Port McNeill RCMP at 250-956-4441, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at I-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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